A former ‘Israeli’ captive held by Hamas in Gaza says he and other captives moved among civilians without anyone realizing who they were, describing the experience as surreal and deeply unsettling

In remarks reported by the Hebrew daily Maariv, Maxim Herkin said he would sometimes walk in public spaces accompanied by members of Hamas, yet no one appeared to recognize that he and others had been held captive.

Herkin described the situation as “a strange experience”, noting that despite moments of exposure, escape was never considered.

He explained that the captives lived in constant fear of any potential ‘Israel’ military rescue operation, believing such an attempt would put their lives at immediate risk.